The Landes pine forest—Europe's largest—has hundreds of kilometers of flat to rolling forest trails ideal for mountain biking. The Vélodyssée long-distance Atlantic coast cycle route passes through the heart of the Landes between Arcachon and the Pyrenees.
The Landes de Gascogne, stretching across the Gironde and Landes departments of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is Europe's largest planted forest—approximately 1 million hectares of maritime pine established in the 19th century to stabilise Atlantic coastal dunes. The result for cyclists is an extraordinary network of flat to gently rolling forest tracks, piste forestière routes, and purpose-built singletrack extending for hundreds of kilometres through pine-scented shade. Mountain biking in the Landes differs fundamentally from alpine disciplines. There is almost no significant elevation gain; the appeal lies in speed, distance, and solitude in a landscape simultaneously vast and intimate. The forest floor is carpeted with heather and bracken fern, and tracks weave between trees rooted in soft, sandy soil that makes for forgiving landings. Birdlife is exceptional: European nightjars, short-toed eagles, and Montagu's harriers are regularly observed from the trails. The Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1) long-distance cycle route passes through the Landes between Arcachon and Bayonne—a 200-kilometre forest segment that follows protected tracks and minor roads, making it the backbone of any multi-day cycling itinerary through the region. Circular day rides of 20–60 km can be constructed easily from the resort towns of Biscarrosse, Parentis-en-Born, and Léon, all of which have bike rental shops with quality hardtail and full-suspension mountain bike hire from approximately €20–30 per day. The Seignosse-le-Penon purpose-built trail network near Hossegor includes a beginner pump track, intermediate blue loops, and red-grade singletrack totalling approximately 25 km, maintained by the Landes cycling tourism association. A hardtail mountain bike with front suspension handles all forest tracks comfortably. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the optimal seasons: summer heat in the forest regularly exceeds 35°C and August brings heavy mosquito activity after rainfall, making those months uncomfortable for extended rides. September is widely considered the finest riding month, combining warm temperatures with low insect pressure and quiet tracks.
Activity facts
- Where
- Landes pine forest, between Arcachon and Bayonne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Highlights
- Europe's largest planted forest offers hundreds of kilometres of flat singletrack and forest tracks through unbroken maritime pine shade
- Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1) passes through the Landes—a 200-km traffic-free forest segment linking Arcachon and Bayonne
- Seignosse-le-Penon purpose-built trail network includes a beginner pump track, blue loops, and red singletrack totalling 25 km
- Sandy, flat terrain makes the Landes uniquely forgiving for beginners and families on long-distance rides
- Spring and autumn avoid the summer heat above 35°C and peak August mosquito activity for the most enjoyable riding conditions
Tips for visiting
- Ride in April–May or September–October to avoid summer heat and heavy mosquito activity; September offers the best overall conditions
- Carry at least 1.5 litres of water per person—services are entirely absent from long interior forest sections
- Rent from shops at Biscarrosse or Parentis-en-Born for access to the largest interconnected network of routes
- Download an offline IGN or Landes cycling map before entering the forest—mobile signal is absent across large interior sections
- Apply a DEET-based repellent from May through August; mosquitoes near standing water are aggressive after rainfall
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a mountain bike or will a road bike work in the Landes forest?
Most forest tracks are compacted gravel or sandy piste forestière paths. A hardtail mountain bike or gravel hybrid works comfortably. A pure road bike with narrow tyres would struggle on rougher singletrack and sandy sections; rental shops offer appropriate categories.
Is the Landes forest suitable for family cycling with young children?
Yes. The flat terrain and forgiving sandy surface make the Landes an excellent family cycling destination. Child trailers and tag-along attachments are available at some rental shops. The Vélodyssée uses traffic-free tracks for long stretches, safe for children.
Are there mosquitoes in the Landes forest?
Mosquitoes are common from late May through August, particularly near standing water after rain. An effective repellent and long sleeves during dawn and dusk riding periods are recommended; conditions improve considerably from mid-September.
Can I hire a guide for a mountain biking tour in the Landes?
Guided MTB tours operate from several resort towns including Biscarrosse and Léon, typically running half-day or full-day circuits with commentary on the forest ecosystem and 19th-century land-reclamation history.
How far in advance should bikes be reserved?
In July and August, rental shops at popular access points can run low on stock. Booking 2–3 days ahead during peak season is advisable, especially for multiple bikes or child-specific sizes.